The connections of astrology with prediction and the future goes back to the origins of civilizations. Although we are dealing with, and have finally gone beyond(!), astrology for our forecasting needs, here is a very interesting article from from Oxford Research Encyclopedia, that will offer you a glimpse on our forecasting origins. Here is a piece from the abstract to get your appetite going - how astrology was conceived as both a natural science and a form of divination.

"It could be used to predict individual destiny, avert undesirable events, and arrange auspicious moments to launch new enterprises. It could advise on financial fortunes or the condition of one’s soul. It was conceived of as natural science and justified by physical influences or considered to be divination, concerned with communication with the gods and goddesses."